Title: The Blue CastleAuthor: L.M. Montgomery
Published: 1926
Source: Purchased
Genre: Classic Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
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Caution: May contain spoilers
At twenty-nine Valancy had never been in love, and it seemed romance had passed her by. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she found her only consolations in the " forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle. Then a letter arrived from Dr. Trent, and Valancy decided to throw caution to the winds. For the first time in her life Valancy did and said exactly what she wanted. Soon she discovered a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams.
~synopsis from Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This was stated on a synopsis from Goodreads and I thought it was interesting: "One of Lucy Maud Montgomery's only novels intended for an adult audience, The Blue Castle is filled with humour and romance."
As a lover of Anne Of Green Gables since the moment I first saw the movie and then bought the book at school and read it at least six times during my childhood, I’ve been curious about the standalones by L.M. Montgomery. As iconic as Anne Shirley is, could Valancy Stirling win me over? I have to admit, I didn’t think it was possible to come close, but she did.
Valancy in the beginning was always being walked over and taunted. The way she was treated by her family was atrocious. Is that really how people viewed unmarried twenty-nine year old women back then? If it is, thank goodness I don’t live back then! In any case, when Valancy finds something out about her health, she comes to the conclusion that she’s done with it. Done with being treated horribly and going along with everything she’s told to do.
This is when I fell in love with the story. Valancy starts to talk back and say things she shouldn’t. And it was hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. I kept giggling every time she said something out of turn. Then she makes a choice that causes her entire family to wonder where her mind is.
The Blue Castle was a brilliant piece of literature. The love story (which I would touch on, but I’d rather not give away everything) was perfectly arranged, and the ending was everything I wanted it to be. Valancy is one of those protagonists not many people will come to know, but I’m glad that I did. L.M. Montgomery wrote such amazing stories. I believe I’ll be picking up another standalone next year!
My Rating:
Very Good: Stay up late
I feel like the only person who hasn't read Anne of Green Gables. I've always intended to because I really liked the TV series but for some reason I never sat down and read the books. Okay, I am going to make it a goal of mine along with this one!
ReplyDeleteThere actually are several people I've come across that haven't, so you're not alone there. Maybe you can make it your 2013 classic book goal! :D
DeleteOk so I need to read this book. I didn't know anything about it before this, but it sounds like something I'd love...and when I read the '29 and single' I was like hmmm...in another couple months that'll be me (unless I magically meet the man of my dreams in the next few weeks lol...which, really, yes please!). Great review, Jess, I'm going to go look for this on Book Depository.
ReplyDeleteSee, that's what got to me too! We may be a year apart, but we're practically the same in this way. We both need to cross our fingers because it's long overdue for us to find true love with the man of our dreams. Maybe I can find a way to meet Nathan Fillion... Oh swoon! ;)
DeleteThis is my favorite Montgomery novel! I love Valancy and how she seizes her life. I love all Montgomery's books, but I feel like this one has just a bit more depth, a bit more complexity to the romance...and of course it's such a beautiful book in so many ways. Glad to hear Valancy has gained another fan!
ReplyDeleteYes! Seizing life. It does have more depth, I think it's because it is more adult than the more well known novels by her. I'm glad to see someone else who loved it too! :)
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